7 cops hurt in Budaun clash over Ambedkar statue installation

Seven police personnel and one villager were injured after a dispute over installing a Dr B R Ambedkar statue on government land turned violent in Budaun district, Uttar Pradesh, on Tuesday evening. More than ten vehicles, including police vehicles and an ambulance, were damaged during stone-pelting. The police have detained seven individuals for questioning and are identifying others involved.

The conflict began in Raja ki Sikri village when the administration objected to the statue being placed on a village community threshing ground without permission. Villagers accused two police personnel of kicking the statue and breaking its arm. Senior officials, including the District Magistrate and SSP, reached the spot and counselled both parties.

An agreement was reached to install the statue on land offered by a retired sub-inspector, subject to administrative approval. The statue has been moved to the Tehsil complex for safety. The District Magistrate said a group used women and children as cover during the stone-pelting. Strict action will be taken against those detained and unidentified suspects, the SSP said.